Ever since I decided to live life frugally, I have wanted to develop a personal price book, but the project seemed so daunting
A price book is a personally made notebook that lists frequently purchased items and compares prices on these products at different stores. You can also record special sale prices. Over time, you can use your price book to determine what stores have the best prices and the best sales on products that you purchase. It is a good idea because by referring to your price book you can know immediately which store has the best price on items that you buy most often.
We are such a busy family that it is difficult for me to remember the most economical prices for things I buy at the grocery store, but the ideas of trekking to different stores to record prices was daunting. However, after researching the idea online I realized I could put together the project on a gradual, ongoing basis, jotting down items whenever I go to the grocery stores instead of finding time to do the project all at once. I like to shop sales so I am very likely to visit Schnucks, Kroger, Superlo, Aldi, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Cloverleaf Market every month or two. Attacking the price book a little at a time makes it a more manageable project.
To make a price book, find an inexpensive small notebook that fits easily in your purse or jacket pocket.
Then make a page for each letter of the alphabet so it will be easier to locate your product when you need it. For each product, list the date, store, brand, size and price, and unit price for that product. Over time, you can identify the best regular price, recognize special sales, and track sale cycles for that product. You can also use the price book to track the prices of household items, beauty products, clothing, and accessories.
For more information about how to put together a personal price book, visit organizedhome.com.
Perks for Teachers
Teachers can save money on great clothing. Did you know several retailers offer teacher discounts? To sign up for a 15 percent discount at Ann Taylor Loft, visit teachers.anntaylorloft.com
J. Crew also features a 15 percent discount for full-price, in-store purchases. Just present your school ID badge at the cash register. J. Crew has a store in Saddle Creek in Germantown. College students receive the same discount with proper ID.
The website myteacherdiscount.com has a good deal of information on a wide variety of merchants that offer special teacher discounts and other discounts as well.
Sweet Deals for Valentine’s Day
Do you want to give your valentine a special sweet treat? Steer away from expensive chocolates and surprise your sweetie with a Valentine’s Day donut or yummy cupcake. Gibson’s Donuts (760 Mount Moriah) is known for its special seasonal donuts. Other shops feature them as well.
Muddy’s Bake Shop (5101 Sanderlin) is a great treat as well. If you want to order several cupcakes, make sure to call in your order a few days ahead of time. For those who shun Valentine’s Day, last year Muddy’s sold “voodoo doll” cookies for the anti-Valentine crowd. I hope they do that again because there were many years when Valentine’s Day was my least favorite holiday.
If you love fine chocolates, it is worth it to check out the Dinstuhl’s Fine Candy Store (5280 Pleasant View) where Dinstuhl’s chocolates are made. Sometimes the store sells imperfect chocolates and other candy creations at a discount because their design is slightly flawed, but they taste just as heavenly as their full-priced counterparts. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious candy at a discount and support a local merchant. Dinstuhl’s began in Memphis in 1902.